Method and System for RFID Label Replacement of Conventional Labels on Medial in a Media Storage System

ABSTRACT

A method of archiving media includes replacement of non-RFID labels with RFID labels without the risk of misplacing media items or mislabeling the same. The method includes receiving a work order and a plurality of media items identified by the work order. Then, on a one-by-one basis, each media item is scanned, with a scanning device, such that information from a non-RFID label, e.g., a bar code label, attached to one of the media items can be delivered to a control device. The control device then creates, with an RFID label printer, a unique encoded RFID label corresponding to the non-RFID label scanned by the scanning device. The unique encoded RFID label can include a data field having a cart identifier to which the scanning device and the RFID label printer are attached and a serial number. An operator or machine then removes the non-RFID label and attaches the RFID label where the non-RFID label was previously located. The media item can then be archived. Methods for auditing the archival system are also included.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This invention relates generally to processes related to media storageand archive, and more particularly to a radio frequency identificationprocess for media storage and archive.

2. Background Art

Media items, such as magnetic tapes, disks, documents, folders, boxes,and so forth, are routinely sent to storage facilities for archival. Forexample, a business or individual may have records that need to bestored, but may not have the necessary storage space in which to archivethe items themselves. They may thus enlist a media archival company, whoin turn receives the media items, stores them, and returns them to thebusiness or individual on demand.

In traditional media archival systems, a person is responsible for“checking in” items to be archived. The person identifies the item,records a notation of the item in the log, and sends the item to bestored. A storage team may update the log by denoting the storagelocation once the item has been archived. When a business or individualwishes to retrieve the item, the log is consulted to find out where theitem is stored. It can then be retrieved appropriately.

A problem associated with media archival occurs when a particular itemis lost. Loss can be due to a variety of reasons—data entry error in thelog when the item is received, storage in the wrong place, improperstorage location denotation in the log, accidental movement within thestorage facility, and so forth. Where critical business data wasdisposed on a lost item, the loss can result in thousands of dollars orhundreds of man-hours attempting to reclaim the critical business data.

It would be advantageous to have an improved archival system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages allin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system, configured in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention, suitable for use in a media archivalsystem.

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a cart configured in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate apparatus components performing illustrative stepsof a method of controlling a cart configured for label replacement in amedia item archival system in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates one method of archiving media in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a media item during label replacement in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates apparatus components performing a method ofuploading a plurality of unique encoded RFID label data fields eachcomprising the unique cart identifier and a serial number in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 11-16 illustrate apparatus components performing a method ofauditing a media archival system in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 17-18 illustrate a method of archiving media items in a mediaarchival system in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with thepresent invention, it should be observed that the embodiments resideprimarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus componentsrelated to media archival of media items, and in one or more embodimentsreplacement of a bar code label with a RFID label during archival. Anyprocess descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code, which include oneor more executable instructions for implementing specific logicalfunctions or steps in the process. Alternate implementations areincluded, and it will be clear that functions may be executed out oforder from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrentlyor in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved.Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have beenrepresented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings,showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understandingthe embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure thedisclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention describedherein may be comprised of one or more conventional processors andunique stored program instructions that control the one or moreprocessors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processorcircuits, some, most, or all of the functions of label replacementand/or media item archival as described herein. The non-processorcircuits may include, but are not limited to, a computer or otherprocessing device, one or more internal or external memory devices, acommunication link, such as radio transmitter or wired communicationlink, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits, and userinput devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted as steps of amethod to perform label replacement and/or media item archival.Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a statemachine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or moreapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each functionor some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented ascustom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could beused. Thus, methods and means for these functions have been describedherein. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill,notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choicesmotivated by, for example, available time, current technology, andeconomic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principlesdisclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such softwareinstructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

Embodiments of the invention are now described in detail. Referring tothe drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Asused in the description herein and throughout the claims, the followingterms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includesplural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relationalterms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be usedsolely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or actionwithout necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationshipor order between such entities or actions. Also, reference designatorsshown herein in parenthesis indicate components shown in a figure otherthan the one in discussion. For example, talking about a device (10)while discussing figure A would refer to an element, 10, shown in figureother than figure A.

Embodiments of the present invention describe methods and apparatuscomponents for archiving media items. For illustration purposes,magnetic tape media will be used as an example of a media item. However,it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure that the methods and apparatus componentscould be applied to other media items, including books, folders,containers, documents, and the like.

Many entities label media items with bar code labels. The bar code labelinformation, when read by a scanner, can be used to cross referencedatabases to determine the contents of the media, when it was created,who created it, and so forth. The problem associated with bar codelabels is that an optical reader must be able to “look at” the bar codeto scan it. Where the media item is a magnetic tape being stored on ashelf, this requires a person to remove the item from the shelf, turn itso that the bar code label can be seen by the reader, scan the bar code,and then replace the item on the shelf. For an entity that stores only asmall number of items, this process may not be time consuming. However,in a media archival entity, where hundreds of thousands of items arestored, this process is not only cumbersome and time consuming, but itcan be completely cost prohibitive.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) labels can be advantageously usedin media archival systems because they can be read without taking theitem off the shelf. Accordingly, the labels of the hundreds of thousandsof items can be read simply by passing a RFID reader past each item,regardless of orientation, thereby eliminating the need to physicallyremove each item from its storage location. Experimental testing hasshown that the use of RFID labels on media items can not only save amedia archival entity cost, but can also result in increased efficiency,reduced lost items, quicker location of items, and more reliableidentification of items.

The problem is that most entities do not use RFID labels when labelingmedia items. Moreover, many entities are highly reluctant to permittheir bar code labels to be replaced with RFID labels. The reason forthis reluctance is simple. If a properly applied bar code label isremoved, unless an RFID label with exactly corresponding data isapplied, the data on the item is lost—forever. This is best explained byexample. Presume a person has ten media items disposed along a table,with each needing to have a bar code label removed and a correspondingRFID label placed in its stead. Now presume the person removes the barcode labels and prints ten RFID labels. If the table is bumped justenough that two media items fall to the floor, there is a highprobability that the identity of the data on those items is lostforever. This is due to the fact that media items are extremelyvulnerable when their labels are removed. If a wrong label is applied,and that item is stored with hundreds of thousands of other items in astorage facility, the probability of reclaiming that item at a laterdate is small.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a cart and correspondingcontrol system, that when used in accordance with the methods describedherein, assure that the re-labeling process occurs in a systematicmanner that ensures media items cannot be mislabeled. Numerous checksand redundancies are embedded in the methods to prevent mislabeling ofmedia items. Additionally, the configuration of the cart is such thatmislabeling cannot occur. Embodiments of the invention have sufficientreliability that they can be used to dispel the reluctancies of entitiesto allow re-labeling, thereby resulting in decreased media archivalcosts and increased reclamation abilities.

Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is one system 100 configuredfor replacement of labels on media items with RFID labels for storage ina media item archival system. In one embodiment, the system 100 includesa cart 101 and a control system 102. The cart 101 is configured to beportable so as to be taken, as needed, to media items that are ready forarchival. The control system 102 is configured, in one embodiment, toexecute the steps of a method for controlling the cart 101 during thelabel replacement and archival process.

The control system 102, which in one embodiment is a computer platform,server, or other control device executing operable code, comprises aplurality of modules 103,104,105,106,107 that are operable on thecomputer platform to assist in the label replacement and archivalprocess. For example, a data upload module 103 is used to create acustomer upload profile for the control system 102. In one embodiment,each customer is assigned a unique customer identifier. During anarchival process, scanned data from media items can be associated withthe unique customer identifier in the control system 102. Thisassociation permits the control system 102 to know which media itemsbelong to which client. The customer information added to the customerupload profile by the data upload module can include customer name,address, contact information, and so forth. The customer information canreside in a print results table as will be described below.

A request labels module 104 is configured, in one embodiment, to permitselection of a customer and cart when a work order 109 is received. Whena customer wishes to archive a plurality of media items 110, in oneembodiment the customer will deliver a work order 109 to the controlsystem 102. The work order 109 includes the customer's identity, thenumber of media items to be archived, and identifiers corresponding toeach of the media items. The work order 109 can include other customeror media item information as well.

In one embodiment, the media items 110 are each labeled with a non-RFIDlabel 111. Examples of non-RFID labels 111 include hand-written labels,bar code labels, machine printed labels, and so forth. As noted above,in one or more embodiments, the non-RFID label 111 on each media item isto be replaced with a RFID label 112. This replacement, in oneembodiment, occurs on a one-to-one basis by removing the non-RFID label111 and immediately applying the RFID label 112 to create RFID-readablemedia items 113. The RFID-readable media items 113 can then easily beidentified by a handheld or other scanner while in storage 114.

Upon receipt of the work order 109, a cart 101 is dispatched to read thenon-RFID labels 111 and print the corresponding RFID labels 112. Therequest labels module 104 of the control system 102 facilitates thecart's dispatch. Using the request labels module 104, a system operatorfirst selects a customer corresponding to the work order 109. The systemoperator then uses the request labels module 104 to select a cart 101.Many carts can be operable within the system 100, and each cart 101 isassigned a unique cart identifier. By using the request labels module104, a customer identifier can be associated with a cart identifierprior to the RFID labels being printed.

A cart download module 105 then creates a download file 115 that will beeventually sent to a control device attached to the cart 101. In oneembodiment, the download file 115 can be presented according to clientidentifier and cart identifier. In one embodiment, the download file 115is a comma separated values file that includes a plurality of fields. Anexample of a field can include a plurality of allowed print values fromwhich the control device attached to the cart 101 can select forassignment to the RFID labels 112. The client identifier, cartidentifier, and other information can also be included in the downloadfile 115. In one embodiment, the download file 115 also includes adesired set of print values that are based upon the work order 109. Forexample, if client A has 1000 media items to archive, as indicated onthe work order 109, a particular cart 101 may have 10,000 print valuesthat it could print. However, only 1000 should be printed in accordancewith the work order 109. Accordingly, the allowed print values would be10,000 in number, but the desired print values would be 1000 in number.This will be explained in further detail below when screen shots fromeach of the modules 103,104,105,106,107 are described.

In one embodiment, the control system 102 creates the allowed printvalues based upon the client selection and an available amount of labelspresent on the cart 101. For example, in one embodiment, each cart 101has a capacity of printing 10,000 RFID labels 112. Once this quantity ofRFID labels 112 is printed, the unique identifier for the cart 101 willbe retired, and a new unique cart identifier will be assigned. Further,a particular customer may have previously stored media items, and mayprefer to have each media item labeled sequentially. Accordingly, theallowed print values may be based upon information such as the remainingallotment of labels within the cart and/or the next sequential numberfor a particular customer.

Once the download file 115 is created, the cart download module 105transmits the download file 115 to a control device operable on the cart101. This transmission can occur over a variety of interfaces, includingwireless, wired, optical, or other communication interfaces.

An operator 116 then takes the cart 101 and reads the non-RFID labels111 from each of the client's media items 110. Corresponding RFID labels112 are printed from the cart 101. The operator 116, or a machineconfigured to perform the removal-attachment operation, removes thenon-RFID labels 111 and replaces them with the corresponding RFID labels112. This read-print-remove-apply process occurs on a one-by-one basissuch that the operator 116 or machine handles only a single media itemat a time. The one-by-one basis prevents accidental loss of media itemsor mislabeling as only one item is handled at a time. The resultingRFID-readable media items 113 can then be stored in storage 114.

Once the cart activities are complete, a cart upload module 106 isconfigured to receive via the communications link an upload file 117from the cart 101. The upload file 117 is then processed by the controlsystem 102 to integrate the data therein into the system, such as bystoring the data in a database 108.

The upload file 117, or data therefrom, can then be presented to thesystem operator in a print results table 118. In one embodiment, theprint results table 118 includes a plurality of fields. A database keycan be included in the print results table 118 for sorting the variousfields of the upload file 118 as they relate to data stored in thedatabase 108. A client number can be included in the print results table118 for identifying the client to whom the RFID-readable media items 113belong. A tape volume serial number can be included in the print resultstable 118 to store a customer identifier corresponding to the mediaitems found in the work order 109. A media type identifier can beincluded in the print results table 118 to identify the type of mediabeing stored, e.g., magnetic tape, document, book, etc. A regionalidentifier can be included in the print results table 118 to denote inwhat region of the world the media items are being stored. An RFID_Datefield can be included in the print results table 118 to identify whenthe upload file 118 was created. The cart identifier can be included inthe print results table 118 to identify which cart 101 printed the RFIDlabels 112. A print date can be included with the print results table118 to identify when the upload file 117 was created. An applied datefield can be included in the print results table 118 to identify whenthe RFID label 112 was printed. A roll number field can be included inthe print results table 118 to indicate which roll of tags was used inthe cart 101 to print the RFID labels 112. A serial number can beincluded in the print results table 118 to provide a sequentialidentifier for all of the RFID-readable media items 113. In oneembodiment, each line item of the print results table 118 has associatedtherewith a unique nine-digit identifier that is a combination of thecart identifier and the serial number. The print results table 118 canalso include a print code that identifies print failure, success, orother issue. It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of this disclosure that other fields can be includedin the print results table 118 as well.

In one or more embodiments, it can be beneficial to audit stored mediaitems. Where this is the case, an audit module 107 is configured tofacilitate the audit by creating an audit file 119. The audit file 119includes a plurality of identifiers corresponding to stored media items.In one embodiment, each identifier of the audit file 119 includescustomer indicia identifying a customer, media type indicia identifyinga type of media item to be audited, and location indicia indicating astorage location within the media item archival system. Once created,the audit module 107 uploads the audit file 119 to the control system102. In one embodiment, the audit module 107 can then associate eachidentifier from the audit file 119 with a data field stored in thedatabase 108 that is also printed on an RFID label 112 of a single mediaitem in storage 114 to form a search file 120.

Once this is complete, the audit module 107 can download a search file120 from the control system 102 into a portable scanner 121, which canbe used to scan the RFID-readable media items 113 to ensure each isstored in accordance with the data in the audit file 119. Once thisscanning is complete, the audit module 107 can receive a scan file 122and upload it into the control system 102 from the portable scanner 121.In one embodiment, the scan file 122 can be used to indicate whethereach item listed in the audit file 119 was found in the media itemarchival system in accordance with the data stored in the database 108.While the description above outlines the operation of the system, theoperation of the cart 101 and modules 103,104,105,106,107 will becomeclearer in the discussion of the figures that follow.

Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated therein is one example of a cart 101configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.The illustrative cart 101 of FIG. 2 includes a scanning device 201, acontrol device 202, and a printer, which is illustratively shown in FIG.2 as an RFID label printer 203. Other components can be included in thecart as well, such as power supplies or battery back up systems for thescanning device 201, control device 202, and RFID label printer 203.Where the control device 202 is configured for wireless communicationwith the control system (102), a near field transceiver can be included.In one embodiment, the cart 101 can be configured to be self-powered,with motor and steering mechanisms.

In one or more embodiments, the scanning device 201, control device 202,and RFID label printer 203 can be arranged so as to facilitate apredetermined sequence of operations for replacing non-RFID labels (111)with RFID labels 112 as described herein. For example, in FIG. 2, thescanning device 201 is disposed to the left of the control device 202,while the RFID label printer 203 is disposed on the right of the controldevice 202. In another embodiment, the scanning device 201 is disposedon a shelf or other platform beneath the control device 202. Thisparticular arrangement indicates that the first step of the labelreplacement process is scanning the non-RFID label (111).

In one or more embodiments, each of the scanning device 201, the controldevice 202, and the RFID label printer 203 are fixedly attached to thecart 101. The fixed attachment serves multiple purposes. First, it helpsensure that these components will not be damaged when the cart is moved.Second, where the components are arranged in accordance with apredetermined sequence of label replacement operations, it ensures thatthe components will not be rearranged.

The scanning device 201 is configured, in one embodiment, to be able toread both non-RFID labels (111), such as conventional bar code labels,and RFID labels 112. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, thescanning device 201 comprises two scanning devices: a first device beinga laser scanner configured to read non-RFID labels (111) such as barcode and other labels, and a second device being an RFID scannerconfigured to read, write, verify, lock (or combinations thereof) RFIDlabels 112. By having such a scanning device 201, the same device can beused before and after the label replacement process. In anotherembodiment, the scanning device 201 can be an integrated, single devicethat is able to read both non-RFID labels (111) and RFID labels 112. Forsimplicity of illustration, the single scanning device 201 in FIG. 2should be understood to cover either embodiment. The scanning device201, be it multiple scanning devices or a singular, integrated scanningdevice, can be stationary and affixed to the cart 101, but can also be ahandheld device that is fixedly tethered to the cart 101. One example ofa suitable scanning device 201 is the an RFID scanner manufactured byATID of South Korea.

The control device 202 is the processing system that is operable withthe scanning device 201 and the RFID label printer 203. The controldevice 202 serves as the “brain” of the cart 101 and controls thevarious functions. The control device 202 receives scanned data inputfrom the scanning device 201 and delivers information to the RFID labelprinter 203 for printing on the RFID labels 112. In one embodiment, thecontrol device 202 is a computer executing operational code. One exampleof a computer suitable for use as the control device 202 is anIBM-compatible personal computer running a Windows-based operatingsystem. As noted above, during the label replacement process, thecontrol device 202 receives a download file (115) from the cart downloadmodule (105) of the control system (102). In one embodiment, thedownload file (115) includes a list of desired print values for the RFIDlabels 112.

The printer of FIG. 2 is illustratively shown as being an RFID labelprinter 203 configured to print the RFID-labels. However, it should benoted that the printer could also be an ordinary printer not having RFIDcapabilities. For example, the printer could be a simply laser printerconfigured to print ordinary labels. In such an embodiment, the printercould print to an RFID label 112, with a separate RFID device beingincluded with the cart 200 and configured to write RFID information tothe RFID label 112. Thus, RFID label printer 203 should be understood toinclude either a printer having RFID write capabilities or aconventional printer and RFID write device in combination. One exampleof a RFID label printer 203 suitable for use with the cart 101 is anRFID label printer manufactured by Printronix of Irvine, Calif. When aconventional printer is used, one example suitable for use withembodiments of the invention is manufactured by Primera Technology,Inc., of Plymouth, Minn.

In operation, the scanning device 201 first scans the non-RFID label(111) from each of the media items to be archived or stored. The scanneddata from the non-RFID label (111) is then delivered to the controldevice 202. The control device 202 then delivers a data field 204 to theRFID-label printer 203 to be applied to the RFID label 112 to form auniquely encoded RFID label. In one embodiment, the data field 204 is a216-character field.

In one embodiment, the data field 204 is segmented into a plurality offields. One or more of the fields can be configured in accordance with astandard, such as the IBM LTO Ultrium Cartridge Label Specification,Revision 6, Part Number 19P0034, EC-M10321, Published February, 2009,which is incorporated herein by reference. One or more of the fields canbe configured to provide an indication of the cart and media item serialnumber as well. For example, in one illustrative embodiment, six fieldsof the data field 204 are defined by the IBM LTO Ultrium Cartridge LabelSpecification. These fields include a header field, a manager number, anobject class field, a sub vendor number, a date and a volser. A seventhfield can be defined to indicate both the cart responsible for printingthe RFID label 112 and a serial number corresponding to the particularRFID label 112. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the seventh fieldcomprises both the cart identifier 205 and a serial number 206. In oneembodiment, the serial number 206 is selected from the desired printvalues of the download file (115). In one embodiment, the seventh fieldis 28 bits in length, with the cart identifier 205 being threecharacters in length and the serial number 206 being six characters inlength.

Turning now to FIGS. 3-6, illustrated therein are method steps forcontrolling a cart (101) configured for label replacement in a mediaitem archival system configured in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention. Each of FIGS. 3-6 illustrates a screenshot of the control system 102, as produced by the various modules(103,104,105,106,107) introduced in the discussion of FIG. 1.

Beginning with FIG. 3, illustrated therein is a dashboard 300 of thecontrol system 102. The dashboard 300 provides a system operator withactuation indicators that can be used to perform various operations inthe control system 102. In one or more embodiments, the control system102 can be configured to present the dashboard 300 and output of thevarious modules (103,104,105,106,107) in the form of web pages that areaccessible via a web browser operating in the control system 102.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3, the actuation indicatorsinclude an upload data actuator 301, a request labels actuator 302, adownload cart CSV actuator 303, and an upload cart CSV actuator 304. Theupload data actuator 301 is used to upload the customer upload profilevia the data upload module (103) as described above. The request labelsactuator 302 is used to select the customer and cart when a work order(109) is received via the request labels module (104). The download cartCSV actuator 303 is used to initiate transfer of the download file (115)to the cart (101) via the cart download module (105). The upload cartCSV actuator 304 is used to receive the upload file (117) from the cart(101) via the cart upload module (108).

For auditing purposes, one or more audit actuators are provided. In theillustrative embodiment of FIG. 3, the audit actuators include an uploadaudit CSV actuator 306, a download hand held CSV actuator 307, and anupload hand held CSV actuator 308. The upload audit CSV actuator 306 isused to upload the audit file (119) into the control system 102 via theaudit module (107). The download hand held CSV actuator 307 is used todownload the search file (120) from the control system 102 to theportable scanner (121) via the audit module (107). The upload hand heldCSV actuator 308 is used to upload the scan file (122) from the portablescanner (121) via the audit module (107).

The illustrative dashboard 300 of FIG. 3 includes other featuresfacilitating system operator control of the control system 102 as well.Reporting actuators include an audit results table actuator 309 fordisplay results of the audit, and a print results table actuator 310 forpresenting the print results table (118). As noted above, multiple cartscan be active within the system. When a cart has been dispatched for ascanning job, its status can be displayed in a cart checked out statuswindow 311.

Once a work order (109) is received, presuming the customer uploadprofile is already stored in the control system, a system operatoractuates the request labels actuator 302. Turning to FIG. 4, the requestlabels module (104) then permits the system operator to select acustomer from a customer selection portal 401. Turning to FIG. 5, therequest labels module (104) next permits the system operator to select acart through a cart selection portal 501. In one embodiment, onlyavailable carts are presented in the cart selection portal 501. Saiddifferently, if a cart has been dispatched to perform a labelreplacement operation, in one embodiment it will not be available forselection in the cart selection portal 501.

Once these steps are complete, the cart download module (105) thencreates the download file 115, a listing of which is presented to thesystem operator on a display 601 of the control module as shown in FIG.6. As noted above, in one embodiment the download file 115 is a commaseparated value file that includes a plurality of allowed print valuesfrom which the control device (202) attached to the cart (101) canselect for assignment to the RFID labels (112). The client identifier,cart identifier, and other information can also be included in thedownload file 115, as can a desired set of print values that are basedupon the work order (109). Turning to FIG. 7, once the download file 115is created, the cart download module (105) of the control system 102transmits 701 the download file 115 to the control device 202 of thecart 101.

Turning now to FIG. 8, illustrated therein are the steps of a method ofarchiving media with the cart 101 once the download file (115) has beenreceived. A plurality of media items, which are recited in the workorder (109) are first received. Next, on a one-by-one basis, an operator806 scans 802, with the scanning device 201 of the cart 101, a bar codelabel attached to one 803 of the plurality of media items 801.

The control device 202 then creates with the RFID label printer 203 aunique encoded RFID label 804 corresponding to the bar code labelscanned by the scanning device 201. As noted above, in one embodimentthe unique encoded RFID label 804 includes a data field (204) thatincludes a cart identifier (205) that is unique to the cart 101 to whichthe scanning device 201 and the RFID label printer 203 are attached anda serial number (206). In one embodiment, each of the plurality of mediaitems 801 is assigned a unique, sequential serial number.

Recall from above that in one embodiment, a conventional printer and anassociated RFID device configured to read, write, lock, etc. RFID codes.In such an embodiment, the conventional printer would print on an RFIDlabel, but would not encode the label. Encoding would be done in asubsequent step by the associated RFID device.

The operator 806, or a machine, then removes 805 the non-RFID label 111from the media item 803. Thereafter, the operator 806 or machineattaches 807 attaching the unique encoded RFID label 804 to the mediaitem 803 where the non-RFID label 111 was previously located. Theoperator 803 can then optionally scan 808 the unique encoded RFID label804 to confirm the cart identifier (205) and the serial number (206) arein the data field (204) applied to the unique encoded RFID label 804.The data field (204) and corresponding information can then be stored inthe control device 202 of the cart 101. In one or more embodiments, thedata field (204) can be associated with a customer identifier in thecontrol device 202 as well. The media item 803 can then be archived 809.The steps of scanning, creating the RFID label, removing the non-RFIDlabel, attaching the RFID label, and rescanning the RFID label can thenbe repeated with another of the plurality of media items 801 until eachhas had its label replaced.

As shown in FIG. 9, in one or more embodiments the unique encoded RFIDlabel 804 is configured to be attachable to a media item, such as themagnetic tape media 901 shown, without affecting operation of themagnetic tape media 901 in a magnetic tape media player. For example,some magnetic tape media 901 will include a recess 902 just sufficientfor a single label. For this reason, the non-RFID label 111 must beremoved before the unique encoded RFID label 804 is attached. Due tothis requirement, the steps of FIG. 8 are executed in one embodiment ona one-by-one basis to prevent mislabeling one of the media items.

Turning to FIG. 10, once the cart activities are complete, the uploadfile 117 is delivered from the control device 202 of the cart 101 to thecart upload module (106) operable within the control system 102. Theupload file 117 is then processed by the control system 102 to integratethe data therein into the system. The upload file 117 can include storeddata fields corresponding to the plurality of media items (801) that hadnon-RFID labels (111) replaced with the unique encoded RFID labels (804)in the process of FIG. 8. Once integrated into the print results table,as shown in FIG. 11, a system operator can actuate the print resultstable actuator 310 to initiate presentation of the print results table(118).

One example of an upload file 117 is shown in FIG. 12. In thisillustrative embodiment, the upload file 117 includes a client number1201 that identifies the client owning the media items. A TapeVolSer1202 is a field that can be populated with the customer's identificationnumber. A media type field 1203 identifies what type of media item waslabeled. A DPS Key is 1204 is a primary key that can be used for sortingthe items in the print results table 118.

As noted above, in one or more embodiments, it is useful to audit themedia archival system to ensure that all procedures related to archivaland/or removal of non-RFID labels and replacement with RFID labels hasoccurred properly. Turning now to FIGS. 13-16, illustrated therein aresteps of one method for auditing in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention.

Beginning with FIG. 13, illustrated therein is an audit file 119 thatcan be created with an audit module (107) of the control system 102. Theaudit file 119 includes a plurality of identifiers corresponding tostored media items. In one embodiment, each identifier of the audit file119 includes customer indicia 1301 identifying a customer, volumeindicia 1302 that can be populated with customer identifyinginformation, media type indicia 1303 identifying a type of media item tobe audited, and location indicia 1304 indicating a storage locationwithin the media item archival system. Once created, the audit module(107) uploads the audit file 119 to the control system 102.

Turning to FIG. 14, in one embodiment, the audit module (107) can thenassociate the identifiers from the audit file 119 with one or more datafields stored in the database 108. The database fields, in oneembodiment, are data fields that are printed on RFID labels 112 ofsingle individual media items in storage (114). For example, when theaudit file 119 is created, it can include information relating tocustomer number, media type, and where each media item is stored withinthe system. An operator can employ the control system 102 to select thedesired audit items and export them to the control system 102.

The control system 102, or the audit module (107) of the control system102, takes the audit file 119 and processes it by taking the combinationof the cart identifier (205) plus the serial number (206) and using thatcombination as the unique key to extract the fully encoded data field(204) from an operational system 1401 to form the resulting search file120. Because the data field (204) is not a part of the operationalsystem 1401, an audit file 119 is not pulled directly from theoperational system 1401. Instead, in one embodiment, a two-step processis employed. The audit module (107) employs the client identifier (205)and volume serial number (206) as a key to generate the search file 120.In short, the audit module (106) takes the location indicia (1304) fromthe audit file 119 and passes it to the search file 120, while replacingthe client identifier (205) and volume serial number (206) with fullyencoded data field (204).

Once this is complete, turning now to FIG. 15, the audit module (107) ofthe control system 102 downloads the search file 120 into a portablescanner 121. The portable scanner 121 can be used to scan 1501 theRFID-readable media items in storage to ensure each is stored inaccordance with the data in the audit file (119). Once this scanning iscomplete, the audit module (107) can receive a scan file 122 and uploadit into the control system 102 from the portable scanner 121. In oneembodiment, the scan file 122 can be used to indicate whether each itemlisted in the audit file 119 was found in the media item archival systemin accordance with the data stored in the database (108).

Turning to FIG. 16, illustrated therein is an audit results display1601. In addition to the customer indicia 1301 and volume indicia 1302from FIG. 13, the audit results display 1601 indicates whether the mediaitem was present in column 1602. If the media was not present, this isindicated in column 1603.

Turning now to FIG. 17, illustrated therein is one method 1700, shown inflow-chart form, for archiving media in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention. At step 1701, the method 1700 receives awork order (109) indicating that a plurality of media items is to bearchived in an archival system. In one embodiment, the work order (109)includes a list of a plurality of media items to be archived.

At step 1702, a customer identifier corresponding to the customerindicated in the work order (109) is selected with the assistance of arequest labels module (104). At step 1703, a cart (101) having a uniquecart identifier is selected with the assistance of the request labelsmodule (104).

At step 1704, a cart download module (105) creates a download file (115)to be sent to the cart (101). In one embodiment, the download file 9115)is based in part from the work order (109) received at step 1701. In oneembodiment, the cart download file (115) includes a plurality of allowedprint values, each of the plurality of allowed print values comprisingthe unique cart identifier. At step 1705, the download file (115) isdownloaded to a control device (202) of the cart (101).

At step 1706, the scanning, removal of old labels, printing of new, RFIDlabels, and attachment of the RFID labels occurs. This step 1706 isshown in more detail in FIG. 18. Turning now to FIG. 18, at step 1801, aplurality of media items listed in the work order (109) are received. Atstep 1802, a single item is selected from the plurality of media items.At step 1803, a non-RFID label (111) is scanned with a scanning device(201) on a cart (101).

At step 1804, an RFID label 112 is created with an RFID label printer(203) on the cart (101). The RFID label is uniquely encoded in that itcorresponds to the information read from the non-RFID label (111), andincludes a data field (216) having a cart identifier (205) that isuniquely assigned to the cart (101) and a serial number (206)corresponding to the media item integrated into the data field (204).

At step 1805, the non-RFID label (111) is removed from the media item.At step 1806, the RFID label (112) is attached to the media item wherethe non-RFID label (111) used to be located. This is done so that, inthe case of magnetic tape media, the placement of the RFID label (112)will not affect the operation of the magnetic tape media in a magnetictape media player.

At step 1807, the RFID label (112) is re-scanned to confirm that theencoded information on the label corresponds to the information readfrom the non-RFID label (111), and includes a data field (216) having acart identifier (205) that is uniquely assigned to the cart (101) and aserial number (206) corresponding to the media item integrated into thedata field (204). At step 1808, the media item is stored in the mediaarchival system.

Returning to FIG. 17, at step 1707, a cart upload module (106) receivesan upload file (117) from the cart (101). In one embodiment, the uploadfile (117) is then processed by the control system (102) to integratethe data therein into the system. The upload file (117), or datatherefrom, can then be presented to the system operator in a printresults table (118).

The embodiments described above provide apparatus components and methodsteps for safely and reliably replacing non-RFID labels on media itemswith RFID labels without the risk of inadvertently mislabeling orotherwise mishandling media items. The embodiments described hereinoffer advantages over prior art systems in that they provide a robustsystem that is immune from user error. The embodiments above facilitateefficient, cost effective transformation of non-RFID labeled items intoRFID labeled items that can be accurately retrieved as necessary.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the artappreciates that various modifications and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as set forth in theclaims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the invention havebeen illustrated and described, it is clear that the invention is not solimited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, andequivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by thefollowing claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofpresent invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, andany element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution tooccur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical,required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims.

1. (canceled)
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 8. A method of archiving media, comprising:receiving a plurality of media items; and on a one-by-one basis:scanning, with a scanning device, a bar code label attached to one ofthe plurality of media items; creating, with an RFID label printer, aunique encoded RFID label corresponding to the bar code label scanned bythe scanning device, the unique encoded RFID label comprising a datafield including a cart identifier to which the scanning device and theRFID label printer are attached and a serial number; removing the barcode label; attaching the unique encoded RFID label where the bar codelabel was previously located; and repeating the scanning, the creating,the removing, and the attaching with another of the plurality of mediaitems.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising scanning, after theattaching, the unique encoded RFID label to confirm the cart identifierand the serial number are in the data field.
 10. The method of claim 9,further comprising storing, in a control device operable with thescanning device and the RFID label printer, the data field.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising associating, in the controldevice, the data field with a customer identifier.
 12. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising delivering, from the control device, storeddata fields corresponding to the plurality of media items to a controlsystem.
 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising archiving the oneof the plurality of media items and the another of the plurality ofmedia items.
 14. he method of claim 13, further comprising auditing theplurality of media items by rescanning, with a portable scanning device,at least one of the one of the plurality of media items or the anotherof the plurality of media items to confirm archival of the same.
 15. Themethod of claim 8, further comprising receiving, in a control deviceoperable with the scanning device and the RFID label printer, from acontrol system, a download file comprising a plurality of allowed datafields, each of the plurality of allowed data fields being associatedwith a predefined customer identifier.
 16. A method of controlling acart configured for label replacement in a media item archival system,the method comprising: selecting, in a control system operable with thecart, a customer identifier; selecting, in the control system, the cart,wherein the cart is identified with a unique cart identifier; creating,in the control system, a download file comprising a plurality of allowedprint values, each of the plurality of allowed print values comprisingthe unique cart identifier; downloading the download file to a controldevice of the cart; and uploading a plurality of unique encoded RFIDlabel data fields each comprising the unique cart identifier and aserial number.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising auditingthe media item archival system by: creating an audit file, the auditfile comprising a plurality of identifiers, each identifier comprising:customer indicia identifying a customer; media type indicia identifyinga type of media item to be audited; and location indicia indicating astorage location within the media item archival system; uploading theaudit file into the control system; downloading a search file from thecontrol system into a portable scanner; and receiving a scan file in thecontrol system from the portable scanner, the scan file indicatingwhether each item listed in the audit file was found in the media itemarchival system.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprisingassociating the each identifier with a data field printed on a RFIDlabel of a single media item stored within the media item archivalsystem.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising receiving a workorder, the work order comprising a list of a plurality of media items tobe archived, wherein the download file is based in part from the workorder.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: receiving theplurality of media items listed in the work order; and on a one-by-onebasis: scanning, with a scanning device, a bar code label attached toone of the plurality of media items; creating, with an RFID labelprinter, a unique encoded RFID label corresponding to the bar code labelscanned by the scanning device, the unique encoded RFID label comprisinga data field including the unique cart identifier and the serial number;removing the bar code label; attaching the unique encoded RFID labelwhere the bar code label was previously located; and repeating thescanning, the creating, the removing, and the attaching with another ofthe plurality of media items.